We Have No Business with Edo Election Witness that has no Corruption Issue- EFCC

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has addressed a circulating video suggesting that Mr. Jonathan Okunbor, who is under investigation for an alleged N6 billion fraud, was an election witness.

The EFCC unequivocally clarifies that Okunbor is not a witness for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the election tribunal, contrary to claims made by Mr. Asue Ighodalo. Instead, Okunbor is a primary suspect in a misappropriation of funds case involving all 18 local government areas of Edo State.

Investigations reveal that approximately N6 billion was diverted to Kezmith Global Ventures, a company owned by Okunbor. The suspect operated the business under the alias Mr. Godfrey Emode. This information was detailed in a press release signed by Dele Oyewale, Head of Media & Publicity for the EFCC, on January 15, 2025.

During the investigation, EFCC officers arrested Emode, who led them to Okunbor at Eterno Hotel, where a pre-trial meeting was underway. The EFCC interrogated Ighodalo’s counsel regarding Okunbor’s status in the election tribunal matters, and it was confirmed that Okunbor was not a witness.

Despite this clarification, Mr. Ighodalo and others at Eterno Hotel obstructed EFCC officers from executing their lawful duty, preventing the arrest of Okunbor. Ighodalo insisted that Okunbor was his witness, seemingly attempting to facilitate Okunbor’s escape from EFCC investigators.

The EFCC remains steadfast in its commitment to the rule of law. The Commission emphasizes that it has no interest in any election witness from Edo State unless there are corruption charges against them. The EFCC will prosecute anyone, witness or otherwise, if there is a legitimate basis to do so.

The public is assured that Okunbor will face justice in connection with the alleged N6 billion fraud involving Kezmith Global Ventures.